National treasure(s)

I use the plural in the title, since I am talking about the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, and Harley Refsal. It is a school that teaches the old skills, such as weaving, knitting, woodworking, woodcarving, jewelry making, and many others. My wife and I are taking classes this week.
I am taking a woodcarving class with Harley Refsal. His style of woodcarving is called flat plane style, which is based on the idea of large flat facets left on the carving, using minimal cuts. I have been able to finish 4 carvings, and will try to finish another.

These are before (above) and after (below) pictures of my Sarah carving. She was carved then left in a jar of boiled linseed oil overnight. That is the first time I have finished a carving this way. It really makes the grain stand out, and brings out the colors.

This guy is the male school teacher I am almost finished with. I really like him, although he is far more complicated than he looks.

These are the other ones I finished, a simple dala horse and a nisse gnome lady. These were fun to carve. I am now working on the female school teacher. Below is the duck hunter I finished on Wednesday.

This school is a wonderful place to meet new folks, learn a new skill, get better at your art, or just de-stress in a non competitive environment. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, and look forward to coming back.
Harley Refsal is such a fount of knowledge about Scandinavian carving, history and the Scandinavian immigrant presence in this country, as well as their contributions to our culture. He is so modest and helpful to all carvers and patiently helps out in so many ways. It is a pure joy to sit with him, learn how to be a better carver, and have meaningful conversations. I will always treasure my week here and am so appreciative of the learning that I will take home.
My wife, Thekla, is taking a knitting class from Mary Jane Muckelstone, from Maine. She is learning so much, and is having a blast, as well.
Time for dinner, so I gotta go. Oh, did I mention the great food here? And lots of it!